Notts County V Carlisle at Meadow Lane : Match Preview

Notts County captain Dean Leacock is battling to be fit for the visit of Carlisle.

Leacock came off with a thigh injury shortly before half-time during the 3-1 home defeat to MK Dons and subsequently missed the 3-2 defeat at Tranmere last weekend. Magpies manager Shaun Derry will hope the central defender is not absent for too much longer.

Derry has added Josh Vela to his squad, with the central midfielder arriving on a month-long loan deal from Bolton.

Derry could opt to recall Callum McGregor, Jack Grealish and Manny Smith on Saturday after they were all rested on the bench at Tranmere.

Carlisle defender Pascal Chimbonda is expected to miss out.

The former France international sustained a calf injury in last week's goalless home draw against Stevenage and is the latest in a long list of casualties for boss Graham Kavanagh.

On-loan pair James Pearson (Leicester) and Reece Brown (Watford) are expected to resume in defence, while Courtney Meppen-Walter is pushing for a recall as the Cumbrians chase their first win in six league matches.